How to Find Your Happy Place (And Why You Should)
If you haven’t thought about how to find your happy place, you should!
How you find your happy place depends on your definition of happiness. Defining the meaning of happiness for you will help you understand two things about seeking your happy place: what you’re looking for and what to do.
To help you find your happy place intentionally, let’s discuss what we mean by that term. We’ll also give you our top tips on finding your happy place.
What Do We Mean by ‘Happy Place’?
We know how it sounds, but your happy place isn’t necessarily a location. Happiness starts with you!
Let’s explain what we mean by this. Your body must release at least one of these four chemicals to feel happy: dopamine, endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin.
Commonly referred to as the ‘happy chemicals,’ these hormones are responsible for how you experience happiness. They produce feelings of pleasure, joy, serenity, contentment, gratitude, overall life satisfaction, and fulfillment.
Because of this, happiness cannot be external. It is always within you! Isn’t that a beautiful concept?
Some people, areas, activities, or occurrences can trigger your brain to release happy chemicals and make you feel joy. This is what we mean by a ‘happy place’!
Your happy place can be any physical or mental space, situation, or activity that makes you feel relaxed, calm, content, or joyful.
Everyone has their own happy place. Think about special memories, acts of kindness, or your favorite holiday destination. Recall places where you experienced deep contentment. Whatever or wherever your special place is, finding it is worth every effort.
To help you on your journey, you might want to read this article on how to find what makes you happy.
Why Is It Important to Find Your Happy Place?
There are three main reasons why you need to find your happy place. Read on!
1. It Improves Your Mental Health
Your happy place can benefit your mental health. It’s a safe space to turn to whenever you need a break from the world.
Having a comfort zone will help you relax, overcome stress, and minimize feelings of anxiety when things get overwhelming. In your happy place, you’ll be more likely to experience mental clarity so you can see life from different perspectives and make informed decisions.
2. It Promotes Success in Life
Happiness begets success. It gives you energy and motivation to achieve your dreams.
Knowing your happy places and using them can boost your mood. If you are happy and healthy, you are more likely to succeed!
3. It Strengthens Relationships
Studies show that happiness is contagious. When you’re happy, your friends’ chances of becoming happy increase by about 25%. These friends can spread their joy to more friends, which continues the cycle!
In a happy place, it’s easy to be the friend who triggers a chain reaction of happiness. It’s also important to note that the more you share your joy, the happier you get.
How to Find Your Happy Place
The first step to finding your happy place is to define what happiness means to you. Doing this will give you clear directions to follow.
Each happy chemical produces a positive feeling that can guide your search for your happy place.
If you’re seeking a sense of pleasure or reward, seek ways to release dopamine. If you’re looking for a sense of calm, focus on serotonin.
Endorphins can make you feel less stressed, while oxytocin promotes love and connection.
You can also define happiness as a mixture of different feelings. In such a scenario, combine various actions to find your happy place.
Here are some activities that can help lead you to your place of peace.
Meditation
Meditation is one of the most effective ways to find your happy place. When you meditate, you disconnect from external chaos and focus within, where happiness lies.
If you master the art of meditation, you’ll have a surefire way to reach your happy place anytime.
There are so many ways to meditate, but the key is consistency. Make it a habit and stick to it every day. It doesn’t have to take long either; even 10 minutes of meditation can be enough to get to your happy place.
Many of the best happiness apps have guided meditations that you can use to get started. Once you become more experienced, you can create your own meditation routine.
Physical Exercise
Physical activity produces endorphins that can help you deal with stress. Working out is great for your physical and mental well-being!
You don’t have to work out for an hour to unlock the benefits of exercising. A short 20-minute workout can do the trick! You can also walk to get the same benefits.
Take a break from your routine and get active today. Your body will thank you!
Self-Reflection
Take some time to reflect on your journey in life with a lens of gratitude. Identify the experiences and lessons that have helped shape who you are today. Consider the people you’ve encountered, unique opportunities, and special moments that have made a positive impact on you.
Gratitude is an excellent tool for boosting your mood. Consider taking part in Thankful Thursday this week. Write a letter to your previous self, thanking them for all their effort and perseverance to get you to where you are today. You can also write a letter to an important person in your life and let them know how thankful you are for them.
Consider incorporating journaling into your everyday life to focus on the present moment. This will help you clear your head and relax. If you need a way to journal anywhere, at any time, consider the Do Happy App. It’s a great tool to reflect on the day’s events, practice gratitude, and store your memories for future reminiscing.
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Spending time outdoors will keep you calm and boost your mood. When you spend time outside, your body releases serotonin and dopamine, which reduce stress, anger, and fear while promoting happiness.
Consider this your technology-free time and focus on recharging. Take a short walk in nature to help clear your mind and get some much-needed fresh air. Go for a bike ride or take a yoga class in the park. Get your hands dirty and start gardening! Or plan a picnic with your friends and family.
Setting Goals and Completing Tasks
Set achievable goals and work towards meeting them. Set a big goal, and create a to-do list of simple tasks to help you attain it. Completing and checking these tasks off your list will boost dopamine production, give you a sense of accomplishment, and help you reach your ultimate goal.
Celebrate each small win along the way. When you stop to appreciate and recognize your successes, even if it’s just for a moment, you’ll be reminded of how far you’ve come.
Staying Connected With Friends
Talking with an old friend can take you on a trip down memory lane. It’s a simple activity that will make you feel happy and less stressed.
Time spent with friends is always time well spent! If you’re able to meet up in person, great! Otherwise, there are many ways to keep in touch virtually. Set up a video call and catch up or join an online game night.
Learning Something New
Learn something new every day to challenge yourself and get outside your comfort zone. It’s a great way to stay productive and boost your self-confidence.
Learn a new language, take an online class, or create something with your own two hands. Whatever you do, when you take the time to get creative and explore something new, you’re sure to feel happier and more fulfilled.
Remembering Your Favorite Things
Re-read a favorite book or watch an old movie that brings you joy. You can also listen to beautiful music that floods your senses with happy memories and brings a smile to your face.
Recreate a favorite recipe to remember the tastes and smells of a particular place or time. You might also enjoy participating in your old favorite hobbies, such as drawing, painting, dancing, or playing an instrument.
These activities can help invoke nostalgia and take you on a mental trip, reminding you of happy times.
Volunteering
Doing volunteer work makes you feel content. Helping others is a happy feeling that renews hope in life.
Making a difference in other people’s lives also adds meaning to your own. Contributing to the broader community will make you feel like you lead a purposeful life.
There are so many ways to be kind and give back. Find a cause you are passionate about and make a difference!
Final Thoughts
Your happy place is essential to living a fulfilling life. It serves as a source of true happiness.
You can go to your happy place when the world feels a bit too chaotic. It’s a central point where you can rest, recharge, and return stronger. Because happiness is infectious, finding your happy place will also benefit your surrounding community.
As we have seen, there are many ways to get to your place of happiness. All you need is patience and practice to get there! You’ll find it worth your while.
For more articles on happiness and kindness, check out the a little dose of happy blog!